Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I purchased a used 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe and since that time the fuel pump has gone out 5 times, once in April, June, September, twice in October and in November. The latest incident was on 12/06/06. I have yet to find a mechanic who can tell me the problem that I'm experiencing. The wiring seems to faulty is all I hear. Please help!!!!
Dt*: the contacted stated the engine bucked and hesitated when the accelerator was depressed, then the engine stalled. The vehicle was towed to the service dealer where the defective fuel pump was replaced three times. The manufacturer was notified.
In July the fuel filter was replaced in santa fe, nm. In August I was driving on I-25 to castle rock , colorado and 1-1/2 mile from the exit to castle rock, the car suddenly lost power and stopped running. Was able to get the car to the shoulder but it was very scary. There was barely room for the car between the very busy interstate and the ditch on the other side of the shoulder. I had the car towed to castle rock, they couldn't repair it until a part was ordered and received from denver, so I rented the last car rental in castle rock and drove home. Then went back two days later to pick up my car. This was very costly to me because the towing was covered by my insurance, but the other costs were my responsibility. It cost $130.90 in santa fe to replace the filter ($91.50 labor) at the santa fe Chevrolet dealership. …
The vehicle experienced stalling and no starting. After replacing the fuel filter and the fuel pump relay, without success, the fuel pump assembly was removed from the tank. The wiring to the fuel pump and the fuel guage sender was melted together, and a great deal of the insulation was melted off one of the wires going to the fuel pump. The particular wire that was melted/burnt shows severe discoloration in the metal of the wire itself, as if from extreme heat. This is on an in-tank assembly!
Wires on outside of fuel pump are fused. Second time in 20,000 miles. After many hours of tracking down problem, dealership is stumped, says it is a fluke. They originally found a blown fuse under hood, a faulty fuel relay which blew the fuse, and now a faulty fuel pump wiring assembly which they claim is responsible for everything. Seems rather unusual since this is the second time around for the same thing in a little over a years time.
Windshield wipers work occasionally on high, but most of the time not when it is e fuel pump has had to be replaced two times and does not give a warning that it is going to to quit. The steering has a bad place in it a approx. 50mph going around a curve and will pull harder in to the curve, either there something wrong with parts to this truck or I have a lemon. I have spoke with others and their wipes do the same thing.
Fuel pump stopped working and was replaced. Vehicle was driven another 1000 miles when the replacement fuel pump failed (Chevrolet fuel pump not after market). The wiring harness going to the fuel pump was melted and there were burn marks on the underside of the car. Mechanic stated the wiring harness was coming lose from the connection with the fuel pump and arcing to the vehicle underbody.
In 3 years we have replaced 6 fuel pumps. Replacements have ranged anywhere from 1 hour to 2 years. I paid for the first replacement but the 4 others were under warranty but not without a major battle with GM. The last and most current dealership will not pay for due to a 2 year time period had elapsed since last failure but did issue a $1000 coupon off our next vehicle.
While driving transmission began to slip and engine check light came on vehicle slowed down in highway traffic had to coast to nearest service station and had vehicle towed to dealership was told that transmission needed to be replaced. Also, fuel pump had failed simultaneously since incident fuel pump has been replaced 3 times and counting.
Fuel pump failed at high speeds, causing vehicle to cut off completely. Seal between the housing and the tank had to be replaced. Consumer stated that the fuel pump failed, while traveling on highway at 65 MPH, when the engine shutdown without warning, the problem was traced to a gasket between the pump and housing that failed.
Fuel System complaints in other Tahoe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe, 8% of the model year's 410 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › fuel pump (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 128,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.